Lorain police warn of increase in heroin overdoses, some deadly

LORAIN — Heroin overdoses are skyrocketing in the communities of northern Lorain County, according to police.
Lorain police are warning heroin users, their friends and families to be aware of the spike in heroin overdoses in the last 24 hours, said LPD Lt. Roger Watkins.
By 7 p.m. Saturday, Lorain police reported eight heroin overdoses, with one death due to the drug, in the last 16 to 24 hours Watkins said.
Lorain officers also used the Narcan drug antidote to save the lives of three suspected users, he added. By contrast, Watkins estimated the department usually has two suspected drug overdoses a week.
Elyria had four drug overdoses in the same time span, including one that was deadly, and Amherst had a fatal drug overdose as well, Watkins said. The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office also reported a fatal drug overdose and another drug overdose suspected, he added.
It was unclear if the drug is in its purest form or is cut with a material that is turning deadly for users, Watkins said.
“I don’t know exactly what is causing this,” he said.
Lorain and Elyria narcotics detectives are interviewing witnesses and survivors to find the cause, Watkins said. For now, police also want the public to be aware of the danger, he said.